How access to current medical information boosts doctors' credibility

In many professions, time is a precious resource that individuals must use wisely. This is particularly true in the healthcare and medical field, where physicians and pharmacists are finding themselves with fewer free moments to review the latest medical research.

Access to current healthcare information and data is paramount for doctors and other healthcare specialists in the field. With more online medical journals becoming available on a regular basis, though, doctors must ensure that they're using information from credible sources.

Today, we'll look at a few ways that access to current and credible information - via sources including medical journals - can make a difference for physicians and healthcare service providers.

Supporting diagnosis and treatment decisions

When physicians are able to access the most up-to-date information about patient symptoms, possible diagnoses and the related treatment routes, they can boost not only their knowledge in these areas, but their overall credibility.

Credible physicians can use their expertise to educate their patients.

Currently, about 95% of key opinion leaders in the medical field read current issues of print medical journals when they are made available, and another 96% use online medical journal resources to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions. In fact, according to Elsevier's recent white paper, "Where Credibility Goes, Doctors Follow," most doctors read printed medical journals monthly, if not weekly, and many return to past issues later on for review.

Having regular access to industry-leading medical journals means that physicians can stay on the cutting edge of prescription and treatment strategies, and ensure they have the skill and insight to address patients' pressing needs. In this way, a well-informed physician that can use emerging and proven diagnosis and treatment approaches can increase his or her credibility in the field.

Passing the knowledge on to patients

A credible physician also makes efforts to ensure that patients are educated about their conditions and the treatment route the doctor has prescribed. Supporting this type of awareness, particularly when it comes to symptoms and treatment milestones or results, can also provide a better experience for patients. An article in PBA Health's Elements advised medical professionals and pharmacists to provide educational assets for patients right in the waiting room.

"Build your credibility by making your pharmacy a go-to source for reliable health care information and advice," PBA Health advised. "Take your educational efforts beyond your walls and consider maintaining a blog to help patients find trustworthy health information online."

This last point is especially important, as 63% of patients now select a healthcare provider based on their ability to provide relevant and accurate online information, according to a 2018 study.

Credibility issues: Trusting medical journals

Access to current medical information can raise the bar for healthcare providers' credibility, and help them educate their patients. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in the number of online medical-focused publications, and not all of these are trustworthy. Our researchers discovered that 10,000 online journals have been identified as unethical, calling into question the reputation of the 40,000 scientists across the globe that have published papers in these journals.

"Credibility and trust are the two pillars that medical publishing is built on," our Elsevier researchers noted. "Doctors depend on the integrity of published research, as it may inform the clinical decisions they make."

In order to support their credibility, physicians, pharmacists and other medical professionals must use verified, trustworthy journals and research sources. To learn more, visit followcredibility.com today.